Republican Herald

From the Centinel

QUICKEST PASSAGE YET!—The new and elegant steamboat Narragansett, Captain Coleman, left New York on Saturday at 20 minutes past 4, and arrived in Newport at 2 o'clock 40 minutes, A. M. being only 10 hours and nineteen minutes on the passage, notwithstanding she had a rough and rolling sea. She arrived in Providence at 25 minutes past 4—12 hours and four minutes from New York! We believe this is the short passage of record, between the two cities.

To the Editors of the Commercial Advertiser.

Gentlemen—In your paper of yesterday I saw the above paragraphs from the Boston Atlas and the Centinel. So far as they intend to applaud the Narragansett steamer, it is all very well; and of which I should not complain were it not done in such a manner as to create wrong impressions, in endeavoring to create a belief in the public mind that she surpasses in speed all former boats. Why cannot gentlemen write without making such sad mistakes as are contained in the statements alluded to? I take the liberty of stating that on the Saturday evening spoken of the Narragansett did not beat the boat as was stated; on the contrary, she was certainly overtaken by one of them without any effort for a race; for it is my particular instruction to the captains in my employ, never to race when on their trips with passengers on board; which I think is adhered to. If there is a matter of doubt as to the greatest speed on Long Island Sound, let it be tested. I will offer the following wager as a tester—$5000, that no boat has ever, or can make within thirty days from this time, they naming the day, a passage from New York to Providence, in as quick time as the Lexington has made it, on a regular trip, without an effort. It must be borne in mind that in this they may make every preparation for a race, take no passengers or freight.

Or I will offer the following as a challenge:-

I will venture Ten or Twenty Thousand Dollars that no boat (plying Long Island Sound.) can go from New York to Providence in as quick time as the Lexington can, on any day (to be named now.) after December next, at which time my boat is in her winter quarters.

C. VANDERBILT.

P. S. At different times certain boats have taken opportunity to fit for a race, and have came along side of my boats when loaded with passengers and freight, to try to gain laurels which in my opinion they are not entitled to. Now—let them come to the mark, or in future hold their peace. New York, Oct. 26, 1836. C. V.